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arXiv:physics/0210069 · Physical Review Letters

New Manifestation of Atomic Parity Violation in Cesium: A Chiral Optical Gain Induced by Linearly Polarized 6S−7S Excitation

Jocelyne Guéna, Dominique Chauvat, Ph. Jacquier, E. Jahier, Michel Lintz, Stefano Sanguinetti, A. Wasan, Marie-Anne Bouchiat, A. Papoyan, David G. Sarkisyan

Published Apr 8, 2003• 48 citations
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Abstract

We have detected, by using stimulated emission, an atomic parity violation (APV) in the form of a chiral optical gain of a cesium vapor on the 7S-6P(3/2) transition, consecutive to linearly polarized 6S-7S excitation. We demonstrate the validity of this detection method of APV, by presenting a 9% accurate measurement of expected sign and magnitude. We stress several advantages of this new approach which fully exploits the cylindrical symmetry of the setup. Future measurements at the percent level will provide an important cross-check of an existing more precise result obtained by a different method.

DOI
10.1103/physrevlett.90.143001

Related papers

symmetry discrimination and measurements of parity violating and magnetoelectric dichroisms in a Cs vapor

Jocelyne Guéna, Michel Lintz, Marie-Anne Bouchiat

We detect atomic parity violation (APV) by using stimulated emission, in the form of a chiral optical gain of a cesium vapor on the 7S-6P3/2 probe transition, consecutive to linearly polarized 6S-7S excitation. The method relies on a pump-probe scheme in which the excited 7S state is populated, in zero magnetic field, by an intense, pulsed excitation beam, with a linear polarization [epsilon]ex and a wave vector [k] parallel to the applied electric field [E]. The atoms are then probed by a second, collinear pulsed laser beam, tuned to resonance with the 7S - 6P3/2 transition. The probe beam is amplified by stimulated emission and its linear polarization [epsilon]pr undergoes a small change of direction, due to the presence of the pseudoscaler PV term in the gain. This dichroism, with axes at +/-45° from the ([epsilon]ex,[E]) plane of symmetry of the experiment, is smaller than the parity-conserving, Stark linear dichroism by the ratio of the Stark to the PV 6S-7S transition amplitudes [beta]E/ E1pv, approximately 10^6. As a result the gain axes are tilted by an angle [theta]pv = E1pv/[beta]E, approximately 1µradian.This is the relevant APV quantity, measured by balanced-mode, two channel polarimetry, with dedicated real-time calibration. This detection method has been validated by a measurement of expected sign and magnitude with a 9% accuracy [ref. 1], now improved by more than a factor of two, thanks essentially to a dichroic polarization-tilt magnifier [ref. 2]. Rotational symmetry around the common pump-probe beam axis is used to reduce systematic effects [ref. 3], among which the parity-conserving Jones dichroism due to transverse E and B fields. This latter kind of magneto-optical effects has already been observed in especially chosen liquids thanks to the application of intense (>10T) magnetic fields. Here, symmetry discrimination, applied to the strongly forbidden 6S-7S transition, allows its detection with applied magnetic fields 10^5 to 10^7 times weaker, in a dilute vapor, where the mechanisms involved are clearly understood [ref. 3]. Besides, we discuss a novel kind of magneto-optical effects manifesting parity violation, as possible observables for APV measurements to the 0.1% precision level on the 6S-7S Cs transition. They consist in observing a parity violating circular dichroism in the presence of transverse electric and magnetic fields [ref. 4]. The advantage, as compared to the longitudinal E field configuration, is that the interaction length can be made much longer without increasing the applied potentials. Thanks to the much larger optical density of the excited vapor, stimulated emission gives rise to considerable amplification of the polarimetric signal during the propagation of the probe beam. Even moderate transverse electric fields would allow to reach the triggered superradiance regime, for further enhancing the PV asymmetry. Finally we suggest a means of rotating the transverse direction of the fields so as to restore the cylindrical symmetry and to suppress systematic effects, as in the longitudinal E field configuration. [1] J. Guéna et al.: Phys. Rev. Lett. 90, 143001, (2003) [2] D. Chauvat et al.: Opt. Commun. 138, 249 (1997) [3] M.-A. Bouchiat, J. Guéna, M. Lintz: Eur Phys J D28, 331 (2004) [4] J. Guéna, M. Lintz & M.-A. Bouchiat: arXiv:physics/0403141 & JOSA B, to be published

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Nous avons détecté, par émission stimulée, une Violation de la Parité Atomique (VPA) sous forme d'un gain optique chiral dans une vapeur de césium sur la transition 7S-6P_3/2, consécutive à l'excitation pulsée de la transition 6S-7S en lumière polarisée plane. Nous démontrons la validité de cette méthode de détection de la VPA en présentant les résultats d'une première campagne de mesures atteignant la précision de 8%, résultats de signe et grandeur attendus. Nous soulignerons les nombreux avantages de cette toute nouvelle approche qui exploite la symétrie cylindrique du montage. Nous présenterons les améliorations en cours visant à une précision au niveau du pourcent capable de fournir un recoupement important du seul résultat plus précis existant, obtenu par une méthode différente.

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From linear amplification to triggered superradiance : illustrative examples of stimulated emission and polarization spectroscopy for sensitive detection of a pulsed excited forbidden transition

Marie-Anne Bouchiat, Jocelyne Guéna, Ph. Jacquier +2 more

This paper presents our experimental strategy for detecting an electric-field controlled pulsed-excited highly forbidden transition such as the 6S-7S transition of the Cs atom. The amplification of a pulsed probe beam close to resonance for one hfs component of the 7S – 6P3/2 transition is monitored. Furthermore the polarization modification experienced by the probe beam as a result of its interaction with the vapor is meticulously analysed. In convincing examples we point out the high sensitivity and complete selectivity of the method for the angular anisotropy of the 7S state, such as orientation or alignment created in the 6S-7S excitation process. We illustrate the flexibility of the method by varying the pump-probe delay, or by changing the relative positions of the beams or the magnitude of the E-field that directly controls the optical gain. A smooth transition from linear amplification to triggered superradiance is observed which necessitates readjustment of the probe intensity for optimal detection. We demonstrate the vapor-induced enhancement of the amplification anisotropy, expected at high optical density.

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Proposal for high-precision atomic-parity-violation measurements by amplification of the asymmetry by stimulated emission in a transverse electric and magnetic field pump-probe experiment

Jocelyne Guéna, Michel Lintz, Marie-Anne Bouchiat

Amplification by stimulated emission of radiation provides an interesting means for increasing the sensitivity of atomic-parity-violation (APV) measurements in a pump-probe configuration well adapted to the 6S-7S Cs transition. It takes advantage of the large number of atoms excited along the path of the pump beam. In the longitudinal electric field configuration currently exploited in our ongoing APV measurement, this number is limited only by the total voltage sustainable by the Cs vapor. To overcome this limit we consider, both theoretically and experimentally, the possibility of performing the measurements in a transverse electric field configuration requiring a much lower voltage. We discuss the necessarily different nature of the observable and the magnetoelectric optical effects that come into play. These condition modifications of the experimental configuration with, in particular, the application of a transverse magnetic field. We suggest the possibility of rotating the transverse direction of the fields so as to suppress systematic effects. With a long interaction length a precision reaching 0.1% in a quantum-noise-limited measurement can be expected, limited only by the necessity of operating below the threshold of spontaneous superradiant emission of the excited medium. Were we to approach this limit, however, we could greatly amplify the asymmetry using triggered superradiance.

arXiv:physics/0403141•Journal of the Optical Society of America B•Jan 1, 2005•12 citations
We have detected, by using stimulated emission, an atomic parity violation (APV) in the form of a chiral optical gain of a cesium vapor on the 7S-6P(3/2) transition, consecutive to linearly polarized 6S-7S excitation. We demonstrate the validity of this detection method of APV, by presenting a 9% accurate measurement of expected sign and magnitude. We stress several advantages of this new approach which fully exploits the cylindrical symmetry of the setup. Future measurements at the percent level will provide an important cross-check of an existing more precise result obtained by a different method.
We detect atomic parity violation (APV) by using stimulated emission, in the form of a chiral optical gain of a cesium vapor on the 7S-6P3/2 probe transition, consecutive to linearly polarized 6S-7S excitation. The method relies on a pump-probe scheme in which the excited 7S state is populated, in zero magnetic field, by an intense, pulsed excitation beam, with a linear polarization [epsilon]ex and a wave vector [k] parallel to the applied electric field [E]. The atoms are then probed by a second, collinear pulsed laser beam, tuned to resonance with the 7S - 6P3/2 transition. The probe beam is amplified by stimulated emission and its linear polarization [epsilon]pr undergoes a small change of direction, due to the presence of the pseudoscaler PV term in the gain. This dichroism, with axes at +/-45° from the ([epsilon]ex,[E]) plane of symmetry of the experiment, is smaller than the parity-conserving, Stark linear dichroism by the ratio of the Stark to the PV 6S-7S transition amplitudes [beta]E/ E1pv, approximately 10^6. As a result the gain axes are tilted by an angle [theta]pv = E1pv/[beta]E, approximately 1µradian.This is the relevant APV quantity, measured by balanced-mode, two channel polarimetry, with dedicated real-time calibration. This detection method has been validated by a measurement of expected sign and magnitude with a 9% accuracy [ref. 1], now improved by more than a factor of two, thanks essentially to a dichroic polarization-tilt magnifier [ref. 2]. Rotational symmetry around the common pump-probe beam axis is used to reduce systematic effects [ref. 3], among which the parity-conserving Jones dichroism due to transverse E and B fields. This latter kind of magneto-optical effects has already been observed in especially chosen liquids thanks to the application of intense (>10T) magnetic fields. Here, symmetry discrimination, applied to the strongly forbidden 6S-7S transition, allows its detection with applied magnetic fields 10^5 to 10^7 times weaker, in a dilute vapor, where the mechanisms involved are clearly understood [ref. 3]. Besides, we discuss a novel kind of magneto-optical effects manifesting parity violation, as possible observables for APV measurements to the 0.1% precision level on the 6S-7S Cs transition. They consist in observing a parity violating circular dichroism in the presence of transverse electric and magnetic fields [ref. 4]. The advantage, as compared to the longitudinal E field configuration, is that the interaction length can be made much longer without increasing the applied potentials. Thanks to the much larger optical density of the excited vapor, stimulated emission gives rise to considerable amplification of the polarimetric signal during the propagation of the probe beam. Even moderate transverse electric fields would allow to reach the triggered superradiance regime, for further enhancing the PV asymmetry. Finally we suggest a means of rotating the transverse direction of the fields so as to restore the cylindrical symmetry and to suppress systematic effects, as in the longitudinal E field configuration. [1] J. Guéna et al.: Phys. Rev. Lett. 90, 143001, (2003) [2] D. Chauvat et al.: Opt. Commun. 138, 249 (1997) [3] M.-A. Bouchiat, J. Guéna, M. Lintz: Eur Phys J D28, 331 (2004) [4] J. Guéna, M. Lintz & M.-A. Bouchiat: arXiv:physics/0403141 & JOSA B, to be published
Nous avons détecté, par émission stimulée, une Violation de la Parité Atomique (VPA) sous forme d'un gain optique chiral dans une vapeur de césium sur la transition 7S-6P_3/2, consécutive à l'excitation pulsée de la transition 6S-7S en lumière polarisée plane. Nous démontrons la validité de cette méthode de détection de la VPA en présentant les résultats d'une première campagne de mesures atteignant la précision de 8%, résultats de signe et grandeur attendus. Nous soulignerons les nombreux avantages de cette toute nouvelle approche qui exploite la symétrie cylindrique du montage. Nous présenterons les perspectives de mesures au niveau du pourcent capables de fournir un recoupement important du seul résultat plus précis existant, obtenu par une méthode différente.
Nous avons détecté, par émission stimulée, une Violation de la Parité Atomique (VPA) sous forme d'un gain optique chiral dans une vapeur de césium sur la transition 7S-6P_3/2, consécutive à l'excitation pulsée de la transition 6S-7S en lumière polarisée plane. Nous démontrons la validité de cette méthode de détection de la VPA en présentant les résultats d'une première campagne de mesures atteignant la précision de 8%, résultats de signe et grandeur attendus. Nous soulignerons les nombreux avantages de cette toute nouvelle approche qui exploite la symétrie cylindrique du montage. Nous présenterons les améliorations en cours visant à une précision au niveau du pourcent capable de fournir un recoupement important du seul résultat plus précis existant, obtenu par une méthode différente.
This paper presents our experimental strategy for detecting an electric-field controlled pulsed-excited highly forbidden transition such as the 6S-7S transition of the Cs atom. The amplification of a pulsed probe beam close to resonance for one hfs component of the 7S – 6P3/2 transition is monitored. Furthermore the polarization modification experienced by the probe beam as a result of its interaction with the vapor is meticulously analysed. In convincing examples we point out the high sensitivity and complete selectivity of the method for the angular anisotropy of the 7S state, such as orientation or alignment created in the 6S-7S excitation process. We illustrate the flexibility of the method by varying the pump-probe delay, or by changing the relative positions of the beams or the magnitude of the E-field that directly controls the optical gain. A smooth transition from linear amplification to triggered superradiance is observed which necessitates readjustment of the probe intensity for optimal detection. We demonstrate the vapor-induced enhancement of the amplification anisotropy, expected at high optical density.
Amplification by stimulated emission of radiation provides an interesting means for increasing the sensitivity of atomic-parity-violation (APV) measurements in a pump-probe configuration well adapted to the 6S-7S Cs transition. It takes advantage of the large number of atoms excited along the path of the pump beam. In the longitudinal electric field configuration currently exploited in our ongoing APV measurement, this number is limited only by the total voltage sustainable by the Cs vapor. To overcome this limit we consider, both theoretically and experimentally, the possibility of performing the measurements in a transverse electric field configuration requiring a much lower voltage. We discuss the necessarily different nature of the observable and the magnetoelectric optical effects that come into play. These condition modifications of the experimental configuration with, in particular, the application of a transverse magnetic field. We suggest the possibility of rotating the transverse direction of the fields so as to suppress systematic effects. With a long interaction length a precision reaching 0.1% in a quantum-noise-limited measurement can be expected, limited only by the necessity of operating below the threshold of spontaneous superradiant emission of the excited medium. Were we to approach this limit, however, we could greatly amplify the asymmetry using triggered superradiance.